It’s moments like these that remind us how deeply sports can bond people—beyond the tackles, the tries, and the roaring stadiums.

South African rugby fans were hit hard by the tragic loss of Cornal Hendricks, and no one felt it more personally than his close friend and former Springbok teammate, Willie le Roux.

The two weren’t just teammates—they were brothers on and off the field.

And Willie’s quiet, emotional tribute on Instagram had fans tearing up around the world.

Willie le Roux’s Silent Grief Speaks Volumes

Willie le Roux is not known for being overly sentimental on social media, but the pain of losing Cornal was etched in the simplicity of his post.

He shared a touching image and wrote just a few heartfelt words:
“RIP my vriend @cornalhendricks.”

That’s all he needed to say. The message resonated with fans, and the comment section quickly turned into a space filled with grief, support, and shared memories.

Here’s what some had to say:

@RIAAN VAN WYK: “What a great combo you guys were!”
@Jerid-lee Waries: “You two were such close friends, what a special guy. Forever in our hearts.”
@Amanda: “Ai, Willie, it’s so sad. Treasure all those awesome memories.”
@Lindy White: “Willie, it’s so hard for those left behind. You have the best memories of a superb human being and friend. My sincere condolences.”

For many, it was a moment that brought back memories of watching two players who had such chemistry on the pitch and clearly a strong bond away from it too.

Bryan Habana Shares a Powerful Tribute

While Willie kept his tribute short and emotional, Springbok legend Bryan Habana poured his heart into a longer message that captured just how special Cornal was—both as a player and a person.

“Still struggling to find the words or come to terms with this.

Heartbroken to wake up to news that still seems unreal,” he began.

He described Cornal as “a true warrior on the field, but an even bigger inspiration off it.”

Habana recalled the joy Cornal brought into any room and his incredible resilience—how he overcame major setbacks to become one of rugby’s great comeback stories.

From humble beginnings to the grandest stage in world rugby, Cornal gave everything with pride, passion, and purpose.

A Bond That Will Be Remembered

Cornal and Willie weren’t just teammates—they were a partnership, one that brought magic to the field.

Whether it was their sharp runs, their intuitive plays, or just the joy they exuded playing side-by-side, fans won’t forget what they brought to the green and gold jersey.

What was your favorite Willie and Cornal moment in a Springbok match?
Feel free to share your memories—sometimes it’s the small stories that mean the most.